MILAN FURNITURE FAIR TREND REPORT by FANULI

Fanuli Furniture has specialised in curating the best of Italian and Australian contemporary designer furniture for over 37 years. Their longevity in the business is due to their ability to interpret each year’s trends and inspiration for their clientele. Fanuli Furniture’s Managing Director, Fabio Fanuli has documented his perceptions of the 2013 Milan Furniture Fair, from the unique perspective as a visitor to the Fair as luxury furniture buyer for Fanuli for the last 15 years. Here Fabio shares his observations and how these translate into the Australian marketplace.

Trend Report highlights include:

Everything old is new again.

Referencing distinct shapes from 50s and 60s and colourways from the 90s, furniture design has developed, perhaps as a reaction against the stark modernism of recent times.

An almost anti – tech feel, there was a strong return of timber in all shades and grains, lending a sense that there was something for everyone; from the blonde, stark Scandinavian woods to refined Japanese dark lacquers and even the prevalence of cherry.

Texture – Its All in the Mix

There was a broad adoption of intricate treated and raw marble used vertically in addition to traditional table tops.

A strong return of cork, rope and cane, all revitalized with their versatility and a nod to sustainability.

Colours featured a broad spectrum from teal and burgundy through to an interesting feminine pastel graduation.

Contrast is Key

The sense of the simple mixed with complexity for depth was established in this juxtaposition of soft, organic shapes with stronger structure. Alluding to a sense of nostalgia such as the Mad Men influence, it was also a response to the global impact of renewed financial uncertainty – space is considered a premium, so designers’ responses are to make to a smaller scale. Exquisite detail with added comfort and softness, there was a commercial viability that had not been seen at earlier Fairs.